This project, co-ordinated by Dr David Field at the University of Transkei, was launched at RICSA's School of Theology in 1997. Pilot work done in Khayelitsha, Cape Town demonstrated little overt consciousness of ecological issues in the townships and informal settlements. RICSA is currently supporting an application to SANPAD by David Field and others to conduct research on popular perceptions and values with regard to environmental issues in the Eastern Cape. An ongoing project, entitled "A Critical Evaluation of Church Based Responses to Environmental Issues with Particular Reference to the Khanya Project of the Methodist Church of SA and the Diocese of Umzimvubu of the Church of the Province of SA", continues. Interviews with relevant people have been conducted and relevant literature consulted. This project, which looks at church responses to environmental issues, is scheduled for completion in 1999. A book, entitled Rainbow Over the Land is now available. Co-authored by Dr Field and Ernst Conradie, it was developed directly out of the School of Theology.

RICSA also helped organise a delegation of South Africans to participate in a conference in Union Theological Seminary, New York, in October 1998 on the ecclesial and communal implications of environmental justice issues. A plenary presentation, a case study and a seminar were provided. A publication will result from the conference, which will give new impetus to the work in South Africa.

Project Leader: David Field (UNITRA)

Articles and Publications

• Confessing Christ in a Context of Environmental Destruction, by David Field
• Easter and the Environment, by John de Gruchy
• Bibliography on Theology and Environmental Issues, by Ernst Conradie

Other Resources